Thought of the Week: What Will Your Epitaph Say?

Ever walk through a cemetery on the way to a particular burial plot just to notice the epitaph on a gravestone? An epitaph is a summary statement to commemorate a person’s life. It may say something along the lines of, “Loving daughter, mother, and wife,” “Brave Soldier Who Fought to Defend the Lives of Many,” or “When All Hope Was Gone, He Never Gave Up.”

Sometimes, these epitaphs are humorous in a morbid way. In Philadelphia, on the tombstone of a man who died of yellow fever in 1790 is written:

Grim death took me

without any warning

I was well at night

and dead in the morning.

 In describing the death of one Anna H., who fell from a presumed fall, has an epitaph which reads:

Here lies the body of our Anna

Done to death by a banana

It wasn’t the fruit that laid her low

But the skin of the thing that made her go.

Some even described individuals who weren’t well liked. In Nova Scotia a tombstone reads:

Here lies Ezekial Aikle

Age 102

The Good Die Young.

 Sometimes, an epitaph does not properly describe an individual’s life. That’s not to demean that person in the least bit but it is true. Maybe the words written do not do proper justice to the person in the grave who was so caring that it is hard to express in such words. Sometimes, that person doesn’t deserve the words written on the grave.

Throughout the Bible there are “epitaphs” concerning certain men and women. It is through these that we remember them and their character. If your epitaph were to be completely honest about you, what would it say? Would it be similar to the ones we read of in the Bible? Would it be said that you had “forsaken the right way and gone astray” as those who followed after the way of Balaam, loving the wages of unrighteousness (2 Peter 2:15). Would your tombstone read that you wanted to be first like Diotrephese, who loved the preeminence (3 John 9)? Maybe it would say that you, like David, were after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Will it read “Ready to be Offered” (2 Timothy 4:6) or “Unprepared to Meet Thy God”? Hopefully, it can be etched in stone that we “became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered” (Romans 6:17). Sadly, there will be some who it could be said are “not able to enter in because of unbelief” (Hebrews 3:19).

Thought of the Week: Prior Proper Preparation

In high school, my Agriscience teacher had a saying which he would constantly use to those of us who were FFA officers (Yes, for those who know me, I was an officer in the Future Farmers of America). We would start planning for the FFA’s yearly banquet the day after the last one occurred. We would ask him why and he would mention the “Six P’s.” If someone was late with an assignment given to them, he would again mention the “Six P’s.” Finally, someone asked him what the “Six P’s” were. He went to his office and made enough copies of a sheet of paper to give to all of us. On that paper was written, “Prior, Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Product.” In other words, if one properly prepared for what was in the future, that one should not fail. How true this is for Christianity. Is not Heaven a “prepared place for a prepared people?” Sadly, Christ offered a parable concerning the lack of preparation which many would have (Matthew 25:1-13). There were ten virgins waiting for the coming of the bridegroom before the wedding feast. None of them knew the exact time of his coming. Five were wise in the fact that they were prepared by having sufficient oil for their lamps. Five were foolish in the fact that they did not. While the ten slumbered, the bridegroom came and the five foolish tried to get prepared by borrowing from the five wise. Since, the wise only had enough oil for themselves and the foolish; it did not work out that way. The five foolish then tried to get prepared while the bridegroom was coming by going into town and getting their needs. While they were gone, the bridegroom came and the wise went into the marriage feast with him and the five foolish were left outside the gates, being told, “Verily I say unto you, I know you not” (Matthew 25:12). Jesus ended the parable by saying, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 25:13). In other words, be prepared because we never know when Jesus is coming back to this earth. In this instance, instead of preventing a poor product, we find that “Prior, Proper Preparation Prevents Eternal Damnation.” 

Will You Be Mocked? by Wayne Rodgers

Brother Wayne Rodgers is the preacher at the Oceanside church of Christ. Wayne and I graduated from the Memphis School of Preaching in 2009. You can find his blog, Wandering Off the Beaten Path, by clicking this link. Wayne is a great gospel preacher and is a blessing to the church.

Approximately 3,000 years ago, the wise man Solomon wrote, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Prov. 20:1).  A lot of wine has “passed under the bridge since then,” but lots of folks are still being deceived by the “rag­ing mocker,” alcohol.  The statistics tell the sad story of alcohol abuse in America.  More than 70% of adult Americans drink alcoholic beverages, and 1 out of 10 becomes an alcoholic.  Alcohol is the most abused drug in our society, costing our nation over $100 billion dollars annually in lost production, medical costs, property damage, violent crime, and death, not to mention the misery which results from the effects of this deadly drug.

Did you know that over half of all fatalities, resulting from car crashes, are caused by drivers who are “under the influence?” Every 48 seconds a person is injured in an al­cohol related auto accident, disabling over 500,000 people annually.  Alcohol is involved in 30-40% of all sexual abuse cases, and over 675,000 children annually are the victims of child abuse at the hands of a sub­stance-abusing caretaker.  Over 5,000 babies are born each year with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and according to a former Surgeon General, alcohol causes more deaths, than all major diseases combined.  Law enforce­ment experts agree, alcohol abuse is the leading cause of nearly every type of crime.

                 

When all the statistics are considered, how foolish it is that some “Christians” still advocate the consumption of alcohol in moderation, so long as one does not become drunk. Again, Solomon gave wise counsel when he wrote, “Who hath woe? Who hath sorrow? Who hath contentions? Who hath bab­bling? Who hath wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup…, At last it biteth like a ser­pent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall be­hold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea... They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake?  I will seek it yet again” (Prov. 23:29-35).   

A careful study of God’s Word reveals the devastation, which results from consuming alcohol, referred to in the Scriptures as, “the raging mocker.”  For instance, Lot became guilty of incest with his daughters because he became drunk (Gen. 19:33-35).  Nadab & Abihu were likely “under the influence” when they offered “strange fire” leading to their demise (Lev. 10:1-11).  Amnon was easily slain by the servants of Ab­salom, because he made the foolish mistake of getting drunk (II Sam. 13:28-29).  Queen Vashti was dis­honored by her husband, Ahasuerus, when at a drunken feast he ordered her to pa­rade her beauty before the crowd (Esther 1:1-22).  Belshazzar lost the kingdom of Babylon to the Medes and Per­sians, because he desecrated God’s sacred temple vessels, during the midst of a drunken feast (Dan. 5:1-31).

                 

God’s Word says the human body is to be preserved in purity as the temple of the Holy Spirit. “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (I Cor. 6:19-20).  However, alcohol destroys that temple. Ethyl alcohol reaches the bloodstream 30 seconds after ingestion, where it begins its damaging work.  Consuming it, in even small quantities, kills brain cells, impairs judgment and coordination, and adversely affects nearly every major organ of the body.  Overwhelming medical evidence shows there is no level of drinking that is not harmful to the body.

Christians are warned to guard our influence and not become a stumbling block to the weak.  We are not to abuse our freedom in Christ, by causing the weaker brother to sin, and social drinking falls within the jurisdiction of this counsel.  “Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.  Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God (I Cor. 10:32).

Yes, wine is still “the rag­ing mocker,” and millions are still being deceived by its influence.  However, the faithful child of God will wisely avoid strong drink, lest he become addicted to this work of the flesh, and miss inheriting the king­dom of God (Gal. 5:21, I Cor. 6:9-10).  Has “the raging mocker” fooled you?  Please think about it seriously.  

The bold letters tell the story of exactly what alcohol will do for you.  It will take you AWAY from God, your family, your job, and your life.

Q & A: Is Cremation Biblical?

Is it biblical to be cremated? There are those who teach that the Christian is bound to be buried. If one decides to be cremated, he would be committing sin. So, while at the root it may seem like nothing, it is important that we know the answer. If it is a sin, it affects our eternity. Will cremation cause one to enter a realm of fire that never dies? The first thing that needs to be done is define the terms. Cremation is “the incineration of a dead body.” Burial defined as “concealing something under the ground.” One should keep in mind that the subject is about burial after death. This was not the “burial of an ass” which Jehoiakim received (Jeremiah 22:19). This is not concerning the burial of water the Israelites received at the Red Sea (Exodus 14; 1 Corinthians 10:2) or even the “burial” every man must face in order to become a new man in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:1ff). Is it more holy to be buried and is it a sin to be cremated? Now, what does the Bible state on the subject?

Those who stand against the idea of cremation use the argument that those who were holy were buried while the ungodly were consumed by fire. Examples of Sara, Abraham, Stephen and others are given as examples of the holy. For the unholy, one can look no further than the examples of Nadab, Abihu, and Achan. Here are a few problems with these examples. Nadab and Abihu were devoured by fire from the Lord because of sin (Leviticus 10:1-3). They were still alive at the time of the supernatural fire. This has nothing to do with burial. Achan took the accursed thing (Joshua 7:1). He and his family were stoned and burned afterwards. These instances, along with others, do not give proof for burial over cremation (Leviticus 20:14; 21:9). None of these are in the context of burial. Even Deuteronomy 21:23 is given in the context of someone who committed an act worthy of death. He was to be hanged from a tree. It has nothing to do with cremation vs. burial. If anything, it proves that the godly were not the only ones buried.

What about the fact that cremation spawned from non-Christian practices? Cremation was a constant practice of the Greeks and Romans who viewed the body as temporary and the soul of the only part which was immortal. I have personally seen a Hindu cremation ceremony, a process which is part of their belief in reincarnation. Vikings were normally cremated. They viewed the smoke as a medium which quickened the warrior’s trip to Valhalla. Do these examples prove that cremation is unbiblical? That is, unless we plan on renaming the planets and days of the week, abstaining from EVERY holiday, and completely cutting ourselves off from a host of other things which began from pagan practices. While there are practices which are wrong, one cannot say that cremation is sinful, while Halloween, which began from a Celtic (pagan) background, or Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Saturday (named after the Romans deity Saturn) is not.

Many claim that since the Bible does not speak of cremation with approval, it must be wrong. 

The problem with this statement is the Scriptures also DOES NOT speak of cremation with disapproval. 

Biblical Authority obviously comes from the Bible. 

Is there any direct command concerning burial over cremation? Do we have any divine examples? Are there any implicit statements? The answer to all three is no. Furthermore, if one chooses to be cremated and cremation is sin, does that mean we can sin after death? “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10; cf. James 2:26). God is not concerned with what you do with your body AFTER you die. God is concerned with what you do with your body BEFORE you die.

Cremation is not a biblical practice but it is not an unbiblical practice. There is no “Thus saith the Lord…” concerning this topic. It all comes down to your personal belief. If you believe that cremation is wrong, you are not to be cremated (Romans 14:23) but do not tell someone else that he is going to Hell for the decision to do so. “Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth” (Romans 14:22).

"The Pope Exonerates the Jews for Christ's Crucifixion" by Mike Swims

I first met brother Mike Swims when I moved to Jacksonville, FL. He is a member of the Oceanside church of Christ, a wonderful Christian influence, and strong defender of Christ. He enjoys studying Christian Evidences and recently taught the teenagers of Oceanside concerning the subject. The Faith Forum is his blog. Here, you will find a multiplicity of excellent articles. He recently made the decision to attend the Memphis School of Preaching and will do so in July. 

"Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:" Acts 7:51,52 (Stephen addresses the Jewish Council)

Pope Benedict XVI, in his latest book, has exonerated the Jews as a nation for the crucifixion of Christ. The Pope is quoted in his book, which is due out next month, as saying that the crucifixion of Christ came at the hands of the Roman Empire, and at the behest of the Jewish aristocratic members, who chose Barrabas over Jesus. However, let us consider what the Bible says about the guilt of the Jewish nation.

In Acts 7, Stephen is brought before the council under false charges. When he is asked about his guilt regarding the charges, he does use this chance to defend himself, but rather addresses the guilt of the Jewish nation for Christ's death as a whole. In fact, he places blame of Christ's crucifixion at the feet of the Jewish nation when he says in verses 51 and 52, "Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it." 

After this, the book of Acts tells us that the people, hearing this were cut to their hearts, and put Stephen to death. One man refused to bow to pressure and threats when it came to the truth about Christ's crucifixion. For all Stephen knew, these words would be the last he would ever speak, and he made them count. He reminded those guilty of Christ's death of their sin, and implored them to turn from their sin and accept Christ. Did he stand up and speak the truth for nothing? Was he put to death only to be contradicted by Benedict XVI 2,000 years later? I would think not!

The Disciple Stephen gave his life for the truth regarding Christ's crucifixion. The Pope is correct that the Romans did the actual deed of placing Jesus on the cross. But I ask you, who was it that delivered Jesus to the doorstep of Pontius Pilate to be put to death? According to John 18:31, it was the Jews, "Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death" They did not bring Jesus to Pilate for mere punishment, but rather to be put to death. They wanted one thing, the death of Jesus. 

Stephen wasn't the only person who blamed the Jewish nation as a whole for the crucifixion of Christ. Pontius Pilate, the man whom the Jews delivered Jesus to be put to death blamed the Jews in John 18:35, "Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?" (emphasis mine). 

Pontius Pilate gave the Jews several chances to back out. He told them to judge Jesus according to their own laws; he stated he found no fault in Jesus; he even asked them who'd they rather have back, Jesus or the murderer Barrabas. However, the Jewish nation would not be swayed. They were out for the death of Jesus. 

The opportunities for the Jews to repent did not stop there. After the crucifixion, the Apostles went to Jerusalem and began to preach of the life and crucifixion of Christ (Acts 2). This greatly troubled the Jewish nation who pulled the apostles in front of the council, who on three separate occasions ordered the apostles to stop speaking of them being to blame for Christ's death. They even resorted to beating and jailing the apostles for speaking the truth of Jesus. Rather than hearing the words of the apostles in the Book of Acts, the Jewish nation and it's leaders continued to be hard-hearted, and as Stephen called them, "stiff-necked". 

So now we have to sincerely ask, who is right? On one hand, we have the apostles, the Disciple Stephen, even Pontius Pilate himself stating that the Jewish nation is to blame for Christ's crucifixion. Then on the other, we have Pope Benedict XVI stating they aren't. This is an obvious contradiction that must be reconciled. One must be wrong, and the other right. Both cannot be correct. 

Either the Bible is the inspired Word of God, as it claims to be over 3,000 times, and not one jot nor tittle shall pass from it, or it isn't. If it is, then it presents a problem for the Jewish people of today. I am not in any way saying that the Jewish people today should be held accountable for their ancestors' actions. It would be hypocritical of me as an American, whose own nation has a dark side in the form of slavery, to expect to hold the modern Jew responsible for the sins of their ancestors, but expect immunity from the sins of mine. 

Just as no American today should be held responsible for the sin of slavery, neither should a Jew today be blamed for the actual deliverance of Christ to His death. However, as a nation, America has accepted fault for their sin, repented, and turned from it. Slavery is no longer tolerated in our nation. Yet the rejection of Jesus as the Christ is still a core value held in the Jewish nation, as well as vehemently denying any responsibility of any Jew in Christ's death. This has been the practice of the Jews beginning days after putting Christ to death (Acts 4:17), and has continued for the past 2,000+ years. Put plainly, the Jewish nation has yet to repent, despite pleas from Christ Himself (Luke 9:23), the Apostles (Acts 4), and men like Stephen (Acts 7) and the Apostle Paul.

The discussion of Jewish responsibility for the crucifixion of Christ can be a touchy subject in today's politically charged world. However, history cannot be rewritten in order to spare one group of people's feelings. If this were the case, the guilt of slavery, wars, and anything else that reflects negatively on a group of people should also be erased from the text books. Please understand, antisemitism should be wholeheartedly rejected by every Christian, just as any other form of hate should be by all people. However, let's not rewrite the textbooks either.

The Hardest Prayers

“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). A Christian should be in the regular practice of prayer and a mindset which is ready to do so at a moment’s notice. We all have times in which we enjoy praying privately to the Father. We pray collectively in our assemblies. About what are we praying? Whether we are confiding alone with God or publicly speaking on behalf of the congregation what are we saying? For whom are we praying? Our weekly bulletin (and others) has a list of those who are in need of our prayers. Those on the list are those who are sick, dying, those who have passed on, or someone we pray will obey the gospel. These are individuals we love and, therefore, it is easy for us to pray for them. While God does want us to pray for them, there are those for whom it is harder to pray. We must understand that God does not want us to just pray for those we love but also those we may not like. Christ stated “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?” (Matthew 5:46-47). That being said, I would like to turn your attention to two groups who have been added to our prayer list. While it may be hard to pray for these at times, our love must go to these as well.

Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and other members of our government.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Do we pray for our government? Paul told Timothy that he should pray for “kings, and for all that in authority.” That would mean we are to pray for government from top to bottom. We are to pray for President Obama, the Speaker of the House, Governor, House, Congress, Senate, Supreme Court, Mayor, Sheriff, and any other who is in a position of power in our government. Sadly, some Christians will look at our current government system and have the mindset which says, “I will NEVER pray for these people.” These should do a study of the man in power when Paul wrote this letter to Timothy. I would encourage all to read “The Twelve Caesars” by Suetonius. It is here we find out a lot concerning the life of one known as Nero, the Caesar in power at this time. In this book, one would read that Nero was an especially cruel individual. It is said that as a child, Nero’s tutor had a dream that Nero was really a former Caesar named Caligula in a different body. It should be noted that Caligula was a vicious tyrant and Nero turned out to be no different. At night, he would disguise himself and attack innocents, killing those fought back. He was a pedophile, committed incest, murders, and many other horrific crimes. Paul, Timothy, and other Christians could pray for Nero and many cannot pray for a President who has not committed the heinous evils of Nero? We may not like our leaders but we are to pray for them. Pray that they make the right decisions in that which they do. Pray that these will stand for that which is right and true. Pray that these have the opportunity to obey the gospel. Imagine the good which could be done if Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and others were true Christians. Pray for these.

Those who despitefully use us.
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44). There is a difference between liking our enemies and loving them. While we are not commanded to like those who true us poorly, we are to show them love. This love does good to all, even those who are evil. This prayer consists of that which is best for their well being. A Christian does not hope that God enacts evil for evil. Furthermore, it is impossible to hate someone for whom you are praying and these prayers can help our dispositions toward those who do wrong. For what do we pray? Well, we know the final destination of those who commit such evil actions. Why not pray that this person gets a chance to understand the gospel and obey it? It would also help to present the truth to this person. Prayers for their will being when sick or when they face problems would also serve well. Notice the prayers of Moses’ plea to God for his sister AFTER she had spoken against Moses (Numbers 12:13). One can even note Christ’s prayer for those who nailed Him to the cross (Luke 23:34).

Thought of the Week: Airing Our Dirty Laundry

Ever consider the phrase “airing out your dirty laundry”? It is based around the idea of taking worn, dirty, smelly laundry and putting it out on the line for all to smell and see. It leaves a bad impression of the owner to those around. It gives a proper picture of what gossip really is. It leaves a bad impression of the one who gossips, the subject of said gossip, and the Lord’s church. Instead of airing out dirty laundry for all to see, why not listen to the wonderful words of Christ (Matthew 18:15). Take these problems and concerns to the one with whom you have the problem. Keep the rest of the world out of it.

"Every Person is Someone's Child" by Jason Hilburn

Jason Hilburn, a faithful gospel preacher and close friend, recently started a website called "The Bible Domain." I wanted to take the time to promote his website by posting an article and a link to his website. He is a native of Brantley, Alabama and is currently preaching at Nesbit church of Christ in Nesbit, MS. He is a graduate of the Memphis School of Preaching and is a blessing to those who have the opportunity to hear him speak. It is with his permission that I post a favorite article of mine and I would like to encourage everyone to visit his website The Bible Domain.

"Every Person is Someone's Child"

My wife and I have been blessed with children, which are one of God’s greatest gifts. Children are described in the Scriptures as  “a heritage of the Lord”  (Psalm 127:3), and they have the innate ability to stir up great joy in our hearts. It just seems natural to feel an especially close bond to one’s own children. However, even though my children are especially dear to me, I am reminded that other people’s children are just as precious as mine, and in reality every person is someone’s child, no matter how old he or she is. No matter who the person is you meet on  the street, that person was once a precious little baby with a mother and a father, and no matter how old children get, their parents will always view them as their “children.” Keeping this in mind may help us remember how priceless every single soul is.

When keeping things in perspective, one realizes that the soul of a homeless man on the street is just as precious in the sight of God as the soul of one’s cute little child. The difference is that the child’s soul is unstained by sin, while the same cannot be said about the adult who has sinned against God: “Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee” (Ezekiel 28:15; cf. 18:20). “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). Even the souls of those considered “horrible people,” such as murderers and thieves, are precious in the sight of God, and they need to be saved. God does not desire that any soul perish in Hell, even one who might seem to be the “chief of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15; 2:4; Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9). That is why we are commanded to “preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15), because God wants every soul saved, and we should as well.

When it comes to one’s “spiritual family,” every person is the child of one of two fathers. By the way one lives his life, he chooses either to be a child of God or a child of Satan. Although we all began as innocent children, those who get older eventually sin against God and become separated from Him: Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness (Isaiah 59:1-3).

We then become a child of Satan, as many of the Jews of Jesus’ day were: I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, [even] God. Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it (John 8:37-44).

When we live in sin, we not only become the devil’s children; we effectively become his slaves: “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16). “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin” (John 8:34).

If we wish to become Christians, we must humble ourselves and become as obedient little children once again. Jesus loved little children, and He said,  “...Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven”  (Matthew 18:3-4; cf. 19:14). It is when we obey the Gospel to wash away our sins that we are born again, becoming the children of God instead of the children of the devil: “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ”  (Galatians 3:26-27; cf. John 3:1-5; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 5:25-26). Paul went on to write that, as God’s faithful children, we look forward to the inheritance He has waiting for us: “And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29; cf. 1 Peter 1:3-4).

While it may sometimes seem easier to love little children than many adults, please remember that every adult was once a little baby, and the adult’s soul is just as precious and priceless. Also remember that your soul is precious to God, and He wants  to be your loving Father forever.

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What is My Motivation for Giving?

Often it is the case that a preacher will stand before a congregation and will expound on the importance of personal evangelism, giving, and other important aspects of Christian living. These important topics should continually be taught with all fervency. There is another area of study one should keep in mind when these topics are discussed. What is you motivation for doing what you do? WordWeb describes motivation as “The psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior.” Simply, it is what drives us to completing our goals. One may think of a soon to be bride and her bid to lose weight. What is her motivation? She wants to fit in a smaller wedding gown. One may also think of a male who willingly bends over backwards for a female who may not be too interested in him at the moment. What is his motivation? He wants to win her heart. When thinking of self one would ask, “What is my motivation for ________?” That is a question that every Christian should ask. What is it that drives me to do the things I do? One can have wrong motives when committing a good act. Over a period of time, it is our goal to look at some areas where one needs to make sure one’s motivations are pure. This week we ask, “What is My Motivation for Giving?” We know that “…It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35) but why do we give?

Am I motivated by recognition received for my “good giving”? Do I look forward to the possibility that someone, somewhere is going to congratulate me for such a job well done. This seemed to be the mindset of Ananias and Sapphira, who sold a portion of land (Acts 5:1, 3). The two conspired to give a portion of the money to the apostles and keep the rest for themselves. This act ultimately cost the pair their lives and cemented the apostolic authority. One cannot help but ask the question, “Why would the two choose to commit such an act?” The answer lies at the end of Acts 4. “And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet” (Acts 4:36-37). Barnabas received some acclaim for the gift, which he gave. It seems the husband and wife duo wanted that same recognition and ultimately got their wish. “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:3-4). Do not allow praise to be your motivation for giving.

Am I motivated by that fact that “I have to give”? Christians are commanded to give of their means (1Corinthians 16:1-2). Is this the only reason we give? Do we have this “sense of ought” with no other factors motivating our efforts? God is not pleased with that type of heart. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).  Again, notice the command given in this verse toward giving. God wants us to give as is “purposed” or planned. He does not want giving at the last minute. He does not want one to give “grudgingly.” The Greek word literally means “out of grief.” This is the person who is sorrowed at thought of being parted from his money but does so because “he has to give.” If there was any question concerning this idea of a sense of ought, one can easily note that God does not want anyone to give “of necessity.” Literally, “If I didn’t have to give, I would not.” God loves a cheerful giver. He does not love those who give because “God makes me.”

Am I motivated by the good my offering can do? Ever stop to think about what good your money can do for the church? Remember, “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6).  One can notice a few verses later that Paul said, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” (2 Corinthians 9:8). While this is not exclusively what Paul spoke of in this verse, one can consider how much the work of the church abounds from the gift of giving. Many have brought the gospel of Christ to different parts of the world, yet never visiting one of those places. Through the support of many congregations souls have been rescued from Hellfire. Not everyone can be a missionary, but many can support the work of the church and do much good through giving. Is that your motivation?

Am I motivated by that which God has given? It goes without saying that God has given many great gifts to mankind. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). He willingly gave up the life of His Son (John 3:16). He gives the gift of His grace to those who will are obedient to His will (Ephesians 2:8). He even gives daily gifts of rain and sunshine to the just and unjust (Matthew 5:45). Ever take the time to reflect on everything God has done for you? If not take the time to do so. It might change your disposition of one who gives with a heart of sorrow to one who is a cheerful giver. What is my motivation?

What motivates the gifts which God gives? “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16).  God did not do any of this because of selfish pride. He did not do what He has done because, “He had to do it.” His giving was ultimately done for the benefit of the world. Why not let your giving be done because of the love you have for God. Please reflect on these things when giving of your means as God has commanded. 

Tale of the Tape (Part 3)

 Continuing with our past study of David’s battle with Goliath, we finish with the final three stats.

WEAPONRY

Goliath: Goliath was well prepared for battle as he had three weapons. The first was the “…target of brass between his shoulders” (1 Samuel 17:6). The Hebrew word here is the same which is used for “spear” in Joshua 8:18. Therefore, this was probably a javelin which was made from brass or something very similar. This was a long distance weapon. He also used a large spear as we read“… staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron…” (1 Samuel 17:7). The thickness of the beam was the thickness of the beam of a weaver’s loom. While the size of the weaver’s beam is not known it was thought to be around twenty six feet long. We do know the weight of the spear’s head. It was six hundred shekels of iron with equaled out to around seventeen to eighteen pounds. This was a medium range weapon. Goliath also carried a sword, which will be mentioned more in detail later. We know this as David acknowledged that Goliath carried such as David said, “…Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield…” (1 Samuel 17:45). This was used for close combat. Goliath had all of his bases covered concerning the types of weapon he was able to use.

David: David seems to be at the disadvantage yet again. Goliath had three different types of weapons but David only chose one type. He did not have a sword at his disposal. Saul tried to provide David with a sword but it was too cumbersome for the lad to use with Saul’s armor. Instead, he chose a long distance weapon for use in this battle. “And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:40). Some would say that this was not a smart move on the part of David. David is fighting against this giant individual but he chooses five smooth stones and a sling as his weapons instead of others. It should be noted that the sling in the hands of a well trained individual can be a very dangerous thing. Seven hundred left handed men of Benjamin were very proficient in the use of a sling (Joshua 20:16). Also, there is preparation seen on the part of David as he intended to use one rock on Goliath and possibly the other four on Goliath’s brothers (2 Samuel 21:15-22). Still, when one compares the in the field of weaponry, Goliath has the advantage because he has weaponry for any type of combat whereas David only has one long ranged weapon.

Advantage: Goliath.

YEARS EXPERIENCE

Goliath: Before allowing David to try on his armor it seems that Saul doubted David’s ability to battle against the Philistine. “And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth” (1 Samuel 17:33). While David was a young shepherd, Goliath had been trained in the art of battle since he was a child.

David: David, while not an expert in armed combat, was no stranger to fighting. “And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God” (1Samuel 17:34-36). It is one thing to be able to kill a lion or bear. It is an entirely different thing to kill both in the same battle. It takes someone who is not only courageous but strong as well. Still, Goliath still had the advantage over David as he was trained from childhood.

Advantage: Goliath.

CORNER

Goliath: Goliath had his armor, weapons, experience, and size in his favor. Goliath had an entire army who was pulling for him. His brothers were behind him. Yet, there really was no one in Goliath’s corner. He was readily relying on his own strength to pull him through this battle. “And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field” (1 Samuel 17:44). His mentality was, “I will defeat the champion of the Israelites. I will make this a victory for the Philistines. I will make the Israelites our slaves.” After all, he is the one who posed this challenge to Israel. He trusted in his might and his might alone to win this victory.

David: This is where so many battles are decided. In the past, there have been many men who have won battles, when according to the tale of the tape, each should have lost. A strong corner can be the deciding factor. Who was in David’s corner? His brothers were not in his corner as his eldest brother rebuked him for coming to the location of battle (1 Samuel 17:28-29). What about the Israelite army? They were too busy cringing in fear concerning the giant hurling insults in their general direction (1 Samuel 17:24). Surely, Saul, the king of Israel, was behind David. To a certain extent he was as he allowed David to take part in this battle. But David did not rely on these to be his strength and shield in this battle. “David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee” (1 Samuel 17:37). God was ultimately in David’s corner. Goliath relied on himself to win this battle but David relied on God. “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.” (1Samuel 17:45-47).

                                             

Advantage: David.

The scorecard reads 5-1 in favor of the giant of the Philistines. Were these five advantages enough to secure the victory for the Philistines? The Bible is quite clear in giving us the answer. “And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled” (1Samuel 17:48-51). There were two strikes in this battle. David struck Goliath with the stone from his sling and Goliath struck the ground. He had no chance of winning this battle because Goliath chose to fight against more than the Israelite army. He chose to fight against the One True Living God.

Let this be a lesson to those who choose to fight against God. To battle against God is to choose failure. Goliath could have been twenty or thirty feet tall. God would have prevailed. David could have faced off against the Philistine by himself while Israel watched. God would have prevailed. At the same time, there is a lesson to be learned by the child of God. Sometimes, things may seem tough. We may have our own personal “giant” before us. Trust in God as David did and you will prevail. “And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him” (Psalm 37:40). The “Tale of the Tape” may put you as the underdog but the child of God will prevail, ultimately to a reward in Heaven.

Tale of the Tape (Part 2)

With an idea of the battle at hand, one must consider the Tale of the Tape.  Looking at the two adversaries, there are a few things of note that normally appear on any sports stars tape. Height, weight, and Years Experience will be considered. As this is not a normal sporting event but rather a battle to the death there are other things which will be considered: any Armor which is worn, the type of Weaponry the combatants would choose to use, and those who would be in the Corner. As these are covered, it will be noted who has the advantage.

HEIGHT

Goliath: “And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span” (1 Samuel 17:4). This does not translate well for those of us who go by feet and inches. A cubit was the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger (around one foot and six inches). A span was the length from the top of the middle finger to the end of the thumb (around nine inches). That would have made Goliath anywhere between 9’9 and 9’11.

David: We are told neither David’s height not weight. It is best not to speculate about that which we are not told. We do know that God told Samuel: “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). This was spoken when Samuel was looking over David’s brothers concerning who was to be king of Israel. We do know from other verses concerning David that he was not close to the height as Goliath.

Advantage: Goliath.

WEIGHT

Goliath: We do not know the exact weight of Goliath because nothing is said concerning the matter. As will be noted again in the next point, the armor of Goliath weighed almost two hundred and seventy pounds. A lightweight would not be able to carry such cumbersome armor, much less move about in it. Considering the “super-heavyweight” division of kickboxing is only for those over two hundred pounds and Mixed Martial Arts consists of those over two hundred and sixty five pounds, one cannot simply place Goliath into a weight class. After all, his armor weighs more than a “super-heavyweight.” We do not know his exact weight but we do know that he had to be a colossal man to move about with such heavy armor.

David: As with his height, there is nothing said about David’s weight. Regardless, if one were to do a weigh in on these two, David’s weight would not come close to that of Goliath’s weight.

Advantage: Goliath.

ARMOR

Goliath: “And he had an helmet of brass upon his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and…one bearing a shield went before him” (1Samuel 17:5-6, 7b).  Goliath was very well protected as brass is known for its strength. His head was protected by a helmet. Chainmail consisted of small rings hooked together, forming a mesh pattern. The main job of this armor was to protect against the sharp points of arrows and swords while offering freedom of movement to its wearer. Greaves are a type of armor which was worn around the area covering the shins. He also carried a shield, which would rest between his shoulders when not engaged in battle. This is not the “target” which was between Goliath’s shoulders but something else. This piece of armor was used for offence and defense as there was a sharp point, somewhat like a dagger, in the middle. This could be used as a bludgeon against an unprepared foe.

David: While Goliath was well armored, David had no armor to call his own. Saul tried to resolve this glaring issue. “And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him” (1Samuel 17:38-39). Sadly, David was not able to wear the armor as he had not “proved” or been trained to move about in the armor.

Advantage: Goliath.

So far, it looks as if Goliath has the advantage over David but there are still three categories left to cover. These will be covered in a few days.

The Tale of the Tape (Part 1)

The Tale of the Tape

There is a term in the sports world called “The Tale of the Tape.” This is a term commonly used in boxing and MMA style fights but used in other sports under a different name. In boxing, it is the prefight measurements of each competitor while in other sports it is essentially statistics given to compare two competitors or entities. The purpose of the comparison is to give the audience an idea of who has the greatest advantage during the fight. It should be noted that “The Tale of the Tape” is not the factor which decides the victor. The battle must still be fought. Throughout history there have more than a few times that the underdog has overcome the odds. One such occurrence is found in 1 Samuel.

THE VENUE

The setting for this battle is found in 1 Samuel 17. At the beginning of the chapter one would notice two opposing forced ready to do battle. “Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines. And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them.” (1 Samuel 17:1-3). While this would seem like any number of normal battles which would be fought in the course of history, this battle stood apart for a number of reasons. Most battles are fought by two or more opposing armies. Instead this battle was to be decided by two men. This battle of strength was initiated by a Philistine soldier whom we will refer to as “The Challenger.”

THE CHALLENGER

“And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span…And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us. And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.” (1 Samuel 17:4, 8-10). The premise of this battle was very simple. Goliath, the challenger, would battle with one man from the army of Israel. The winner of said battle would reign victorious over an entire nation. What was the reaction to said challenge? “When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid…And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.” (1 Samuel 17:11, 16). There was only one who was willing to accept the challenge.

THE CHAMPION

There was one person willing to accept the challenge made by Goliath. Was it Saul, the king of Israel? No. Jonathan? No. The only person willing to accept the challenge was a son of Jesse. Eliab? No. Abinadab? No. Shammah? No. In fact, it was not a member of Saul’s army who accepted the challenge but a young shepherd boy named David, the youngest of Jesse’s sons. David was sent by his father to run an errand. He was to deliver certain goods to his brothers and check on their well being. “And as he talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the armies of the Philistines, and spake according to the same words: and David heard them.” (1 Samuel 17:23). Again, the army of Israel cowered as Goliath spoke. David, on the other hand, did not. After being told of the gifts to be given to the man who defeated Goliath David essentially asks, “Who does this Philistine think he is to challenge God’s army?” “And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:32).

Now that we know the two combatants, we will examine the Tale of the Tape next week.

Thought of the Week: But Don't Take My Word For It

As I child I constantly watched Alabama Public Broadcasting. One of my favorite shows was Reading Rainbow with Levar Burton. At the end of every show was a segment in which children would review different books called “Reader Review.” Before the segment actually began Burton would say, “But don’t take my word for it.” He encouraged children to actually read the books instead of taking his word at face value. This is a statement many need to take in consideration concerning the Bible. Instead of taking one man’s word at face value, each of us should make sure that he is preaching the truth found in God’s Word. This was the mindset of the Bereans who “…received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). If those of Berea double-checked the preaching of an apostle, what should we do? We should be ever ready to search the scripture and verify a “Thus saith the Lord.” …But don’t take my word for it.